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With some easy and quick remedies, you can reduce the bitterness and make it a more enjoyable dish.
Bitter Gourds are rich in Vitamin A, Vitamin C, Zinc and Iron.
Karela or bitter gourd is known for its immense health benefits but when it comes to taste its intense bitterness often puts people off. Luckily, there are some simple tricks you can use to tone down that sharp bitterness without losing the vegetable’s goodness.
Here are 5 easy ways to reduce the bitterness of Karela.
Salt Treatment
One of the most effective methods is using salt. Peel and slice the bitter gourd thinly, sprinkle a generous amount of salt over it, and let it sit for 20-30 minutes. Whenever you see water being released from the pieces- that’s the bitterness coming out! After that rinse the karela with plain water at least 3-4 times to remove the excess salt and bitterness.
Use Vinegar and Sugar
Soaking the sliced karela in the vinegar water works wonders to reduce the bitterness. Mix one teaspoon of vinegar and 2 tbsp sugar in a bowl of water and soak the chopped karela’s into it for at least 30 minutes. Now wash it with water before cooking.
Scraping and De-seeding
Sometimes, the bitterness lies heavily in the seed and inner pith. Before using scrape off the rough and remove the seeds. This small step can make a big difference in taste while keeping the nutritional value intact.
Soaking in Yoghurt
Another simple trick is soaking karela slices in Yoghurt for about 30 minutes. The natural acidity and creaminess of yoghurt help reduce the bitterness. Additionally, it gives a slight tangy flavour, making your dish even more delicious.
Pairing With Strong Flavours
Cooking karela with strong flavours like onions, tomatoes, garlic, spices, and curds can help naturalise the bitterness. The rich taste of these ingredients balances out the sharpness, creating a more rounded and enjoyable dish.
These easy methods will help you to get all the health benefits of bitter gourd, without the unpleasant aftertaste. With a little prep, karela can become a regular and delicious part of your meals!
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